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“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”: A Song of Hope for Ages

As we are eagerly waiting for the Christmas 2025, our hearts are once again drawn to the timeless carols that remind us of God’s love breaking into our world. Among them, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” holds a special place, not only for its gentle melody, but for the profound message of hope it carries for a weary and wounded world. Written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a pastor in Massachusetts, the northeastern United States, living in a time of social upheaval from agrarian community to urbanisation, industrialisation, significant immigration, women’s dignity, etc. the hymn was born from a deep concern for the suffering and division he saw around him. Though often sung as a Christmas lullaby, its words are, in truth, a prophetic call:

“O ye, beneath life’s crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low…”. These lines echo the cries of the poor, the burdened, the forgotten, those still waiting for justice, dignity, and peace.

The Angel’s Song for a Troubled World:

The song does not describe shepherds or a manger, nor does it retell the nativity narrative. Instead, it brings the angelic proclamation of “peace on the earth, goodwill to all” directly into the present moment, into our own struggles, anxieties, and social realities.

This is precisely where its power lies. In a global world marked by widening economic divides, increasing social unrest, and communities struggling under the weight of poverty, the angel’s announcement still resounds. The Gospel is not only a message spoken long ago; it is a living hope meant especially for “the least of these.” Christ’s coming brings light to those living in darkness, freedom to those oppressed, and joy to those who have been deprived of joy.

The Gospel for the Poor: Still Our Calling

When Jesus began His ministry, He declared with clarity and conviction: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… He has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. In this, the Church finds its guiding mission. The Gospel is not complete unless it reaches the poor, uplifts the marginalized, and restores those bent under the weight of life’s burdens.

Today, poverty wears many faces like economic hardship, social isolation, displacement, hunger, inequality. Thousands in our nation still long for the hope that the angelic song promises. As the Bible Society of India continues its ministry of making God’s Word accessible to all, we hold fast to this calling; to ensure that the Gospel reaches the poor not only in printed words but through acts of compassion, justice, and joyful service.

A Joy That Cannot Be Silenced:

The hymn gently urges us to rest beside the weary road, to pause, reflect, and hear again the good news of great joy. This joy is not dependent on comfort or abundance. It is the joy of knowing that God has stepped into our human story, that Christ walks with the poor, comforts the broken, and lifts the lowly.

And so, as we sing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear this season, may it awaken in us a renewed commitment to share the joy of the Gospel where it is needed most:

– in homes burdened by financial struggle,

– in communities longing for peace,

– in hearts weary from life’s crushing load,

– and among the poor who are God’s treasured ones.

Let the song continue as the angelic chorus first rang out on a quiet night long ago, as its message continues to echo through Scripture, through our mission, and through every life touched by God’s Word. May this Advent season inspire us to embody that message by lifting up the poor, speaking peace, and shining Christ’s joy into the darkest corners of our world.

By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi 
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation

ANDHRA PRADESH AUXILIARY

Rev. John Vikram, Auxiliary Sceretary, Auxiliary Secretary.

Ecumenical Christmas Celebrated by BSI AP Auxiliary – December 1, St. John’s CSI Church, Guntur

The Ecumenical Christmas was joyfully celebrated on December 1st in Guntur under the leadership of the BSI AP Auxiliary. The gathering was graced by the presence of the BSI National President, Rev. Dr. Leelavathi Vemuri, who addressed the congregation with an inspiring message. The Christmas message was delivered by the Auxiliary President, Bishop Pratap Sinha, bringing spiritual depth and reflection to the celebration.

The entire program was led by the Auxiliary Secretary, Rev. K. John Vikram, ensuring a meaningful and well-coordinated event. A special highlight of the evening was the release of the BSI AP Auxiliary New Year Calendar 2026, unveiled by the President Madam along with branch delegates. This was followed by the distribution of Braille and Audio Bibles and pocket calendars marking a compassionate outreach to the visually challenged community. The celebration also featured delightful cultural performances by children, adding joy and vibrancy to the event. The program concluded with a Christmas cake cutting ceremony, followed by a fellowship dinner with all the participants.

KERALA  AUXILIARY

Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Auxiliary Secretary

Visit to India Bible College & Seminary, Kumbanad

The Auxiliary Secretary visited India Bible College and Seminary, Kumbanad Hebron Campus, and participated in the Missionary Chapel Day on 25th November 2025. He shared the ministry updates of the Bible Society of India and delivered the Word of God to more than 250 students and faculty members.
We express our sincere thanks to Mrs. Starla Luke, Auxiliary Committee Member and Seminary Administrator, for her excellent coordination. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Pastor K. E. Abraham Foundation, the Seminary, and the IPC Church at large. Special thanks to Pastor Valson Abraham, the Principal, faculty, pastors, and Church leaders for their warm hospitality and continued commitment to the Bible cause.

All Pastors Meet

On 30th November 2025, the Auxiliary Secretary attended the “All Pastors Meet” organised by the BSI Kerala Auxiliary, Kundara Branch at St. Thomas Orthodox Valiya Palli Parish Hall. More than 60 pastors and their families participated, making the fellowship meaningful and inspiring.
Raising awareness about the ministries of the Bible Society among Church leaders strengthens our mission to reach the world with the Word. We extend our sincere appreciation to Rev. Bobby K. George, Mr. Sabu John, Mr. K. Babu, Convenors Mr. Sam George and Mrs. Anitha John, and all branch leaders for their wholehearted support in making the programme a blessing.

Anti-Drug Campaign Rally & Bible Convention

As part of the Kerala Auxiliary’s 70th Year Jubilee initiatives, the BSI Kadambanad Branch organised an Anti-Drug Awareness Bike Rally and Seminar, flagged off from the Bible House, Kottayam on 3rd December 2025. The rally covered 10 destination points, spreading strong Anti-Drug messages, and participants took a pledge for a drug-free society.
We appreciate the leadership of Dr. Geevarghese Rambachan Ilavukattu (Patron), Rev. Thomas Mathew, Mr. Santhosh Mathew, Mr. Y. Lalachen, and all dedicated leaders and clergy for their committed efforts. A three-day Bible Convention was also held, and the Auxiliary Secretary attended the final day at Bethlehem Mar Thoma Church, Kadambanad, sharing from the Word. May God bless their initiatives abundantly.

Christmas Carol Service

The Auxiliary Secretary attended the Christmas Carol Service of the CSI East Kerala Diocese Members’ Association, Ernakulam, held at Vennala Henry Baker Centre on 7th December 2025. It was the first Christmas fellowship of the season and a blessed time with members settled in the Greater Cochin area. We sincerely thank them for their continued support of the Bible Society. Appreciation is extended to Mr. Thomas Samuel, President, and all office-bearers for organising the meaningful gathering. We also acknowledge the service of Mr. K. D. Abraham and commend the Thettekannan Mission Field team for their beautiful presentation of Muthuvan songs. May God bless each one abundantly.

BOMBAY AUXILIARY

By Rev. Clement M. Christian, Auxiliary Sceretary

Audio Bible Distribution Programme at Vangni

The Audio Bible Distribution programme for visually impaired individuals at Vangni was held on 5th December 2025 at 11:00 AM. The participants warmly welcomed us with a plant they had lovingly grown. The programme began with an opening prayer and scripture reading from the Braille Bible by Pastor Arun Chavan. Worship was led by visually impaired believers whose sincere devotion deeply moved everyone. Rev. Clement Christian shared the Word of God, after which the staff distributed Audio Bibles to all participants, bringing joy and gratitude.

Pastor Arun Chavan expressed heartfelt thanks to the Bible Society of India for organising the event. The programme concluded with prayer and benediction by Rev. Clement Christian, followed by a fellowship lunch and meaningful interactions with the participants. The event was a truly blessed experience, strengthening our bond with the visually impaired community and affirming our commitment to serve through God’s Word.

TELANGANA AUXILIARY

Rev Dr. John Basy Paul, Auxiliary Secretary

Testimony of God’s Faithfulness Through the Scripture Engagement Ministry

With grateful hearts, we joyfully testify to the mighty work of God witnessed through the Scripture Engagement Programme of the Bible Society of India – Telangana Auxiliary. The Lord enabled us to distribute Telugu Full Bibles in five boarding hostels in Telangana Auxiliary, an initiative carried out with prayer and deep conviction that the Word of God alone transforms lives. As each child received a Bible, their faces lit up with joy and reverence. Many opened the Scriptures immediately, reading with eagerness and delight. It was a moving sight to see young hearts embracing God’s Word with such purity and hunger. Truly, the entrance of His Word brings light, and we witnessed that light touching and transforming tender lives.
This moment affirmed our faith that the seeds sown will continue to bear spiritual fruit for many years to come.

Through this outreach, we experienced God’s abundant grace. The children were not just recipients of Bibles, they became living testimonies of how powerfully the Holy Spirit stirs hearts when Scripture is placed in their hands. Their enthusiasm strengthened our commitment to carry the Word further, trusting that God will continue the good work He has begun in them. Moved by this experience, we prayerfully seek additional copies of the Telugu Full Bible so that many more children may receive the same blessing. The spiritual hunger among these young ones is undeniable, and we believe the Lord is opening new doors for deeper engagement with His Word.

We also thank God for the privilege of distributing some more copies of Telugu Bibles and several children’s Bibles through our branch officers in their respective regions. Every distribution has become a testimony of God’s love reaching God’s children in timely and meaningful ways. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the generous donors whose sacrificial giving made this ministry possible. We also praise God for the leadership and vision of our General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, and for the continued encouragement of Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Associate Director of CPRRMD. Their guidance has been a blessing in fulfilling this mission. With thankful hearts, we testify that the Lord has done great things through this Scripture Engagement outreach. To God be all glory, honour, and praise, now and forever.

STAFF RETREAT – BSI CENTRAL OFFICE

A staff retreat for the BSI Central Office was held on 21st November 2025 at ECC, Whitefield, Bangalore—a refreshing time of fellowship, renewal, and spiritual nurturing. Stepping away from routine work, the staff joyfully engaged in singing, learning, prayer, and meaningful activities.

The theme, UBUNTU – “I Am Because We Are,” set a beautiful tone for the day. Rev. K. Vasudevan, the retreat speaker, shared profound insights from his rich pastoral experience, which deeply blessed everyone. Greetings from Very Rev. Dr. Sham P. Thomas, Director of ECC, and the closing message by our GS, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, encouraged all to carry home renewed wisdom and spiritual strength.

Moments of music, games, and prayer helped staff reconnect with one another and relive cherished memories. The day was further enriched by warm hospitality, with delicious meals and refreshing breaks. The retreat was prayerfully organised by the Staff Welfare Association team—Secretary Mr. Pradeep Kumar Suna, Joint Secretary Mrs. Evansaralin Dkhar, Treasurer Mr. Prakash S., and Sports Secretary Mr. Kiran Tirupal—supported by Advisor Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi and Sports Advisor Mr. David Maben. We thank God for this blessed opportunity and express our gratitude to our GS and SWA Chairman, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, for his support in making this retreat a memorable and spiritually uplifting experience.